I recognize that talking to a therapist is a vulnerable and personal process, and it is important to me that you feel safe and supported throughout our therapy together. This starts with feeling deeply heard and understood in a supportive therapeutic relationship. True healing can happen when you share your story and it is received with genuine compassion and curiosity. I aim to listen deeply and to your experience and provide an environment to foster your growth. 

As a therapist I am...

Client centered
We each have a unique path in life, and healing looks different for each individual person. I will always follow you as the authority on your life and will help you towards your stated goals rather than inserting my own opinions or ideas of what your life should look like. I integrate many different approaches in my work, which allows me to customize the treatment based on your specific needs. Therapy is not one size fits all, and your healing journey deserves unique support for the specific troubles you are working with. 

Depth and insight oriented
I believe the much of our selves are hidden outside of our awareness in our hidden drives, desires, and patterns. By exploring the unconscious and trying to make the unknown more known, we can learn to understand more of ourselves and find more freedom in how we act in our lives and relationships. Getting to the bottom of things allows you to make fundamental and lasting change in your life. 

Relational
We heal through connection with others, and the relationship between therapist and client is the single most important factor of a successful treatment. This means I will show up authentically as a real person in our work and I will put a big emphasis on fostering the therapeutic relationship as an important part of the therapy. 

Mindful and somatic focused
I will encourage exploration of what is happening in your emotions and your body, not just your head. By being mindful, and slowing down enough to feel what is happening in your physical body, you can learn to make friends with the uncomfortable sensations associated with emotional distress. Mindfulness and somatic therapy allow you to foster a safe space in your body for you to feel your emotions rather than run from them.

Trauma informed
I always use trauma-informed practices to make sure you aren’t flooded or overwhelmed by what you are sharing with me. I look out for your emotional wellbeing and will make sure you have the tools and strategies to keep you from getting lost in overwhelm when sharing about difficult topics. I provide clear and effective tools to help you regulate overwhelm in your nervous system.

My Story

I started studying psychology after years of searching to find the right relationship with my life and career. From a young age I have known that engaging in meaningful work that helps those around me was essential for me to feel complete in my life. I always loved philosophical inquiry, especially from eastern perspectives like Buddhism and Hinduism. For me, philosophy satisfies a natural curiosity I have about life and what it means to live well.

When I found the Integral Counseling Psychology program at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), I loved their blend of eastern and western philosophies in their approach to psychology. I found that CIIS’ program was a perfect fit for my desires to be involved in meaningful, healing work in the world. Being a psychotherapist now gives me a deep sense of purpose and belonging in my life. Sitting with people and hearing their stories is truly an honor and I consider myself extremely lucky to be a therapist.

When I’m not doing therapy I am usually spending time with my family, playing or listening to music, or spending time outside hiking or camping. I have a personal meditation and yoga practice that helps me feel grounded in my life, and I love learning and exploring new ways to engage in life that are productive, positive, creative, and fun.

Education

• MA, Integral Counseling Psychology - California Institute of Integral Studies 2019

• BA, Economics, minor in Religious Studies - Occidental College 2013

Qualifications

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT #132170

• Clinical Supervision by Carly Earnshaw, LMFT (2021-2022), Scott Balderson, LMFT (2019-2022), and Renee Beck, LMFT (2018-2021)

• San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis community member

• California association of marriage and family therapists member #143759

• Psychology today verified provider

Experience

• Psychotherapist in private practice, 2022 - present

• Psychotherapist at Center for Mindful Psychotherapy, 2019 - 2022

• Clinical practicum at Pierce Street Integral Counseling Center, 2018-2019

• Psychotherapy & psychiatry intake coordinator at Well Clinic San Francisco, 2017 - 2020

Professional Trainings

• “Gestalt approach to therapy and living” - Bay Area Gestalt Institute

• Hakomi essential skills - Hakomi Institute of California

• Psychedelic Science Conference 2017 - Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies

• Ketamine assisted therapy workshop - Phil Wolfson, MD

• “Feeling Like A Man: Using AEDP to Overcome Shame and Undo Aloneness with Gay and Straight Men” workshop - AEDP West

• “How the body releases trauma and restores goodness” workshop - Peter Levine PhD

• Integrating psychedelic experiences workshop - Julie Megler, NP and Mary Mcdermott, LMFT

• And more…